That's a great machine. I have one just like it. I recently had the platen recovered. I like that yours has the original sound-deadening felt; I had to replace mine as some of it was missing. It is quite a snappy, simple machine, and they look great. The story of how you obtained yours is great.

I just gave a Silent-Super to Ryan of Treatise on Pedestrianism that looks a bit like this. I read somewhere (Will Davis pages maybe?) that these are basically the very best portables (a matter for debate to be sure).

It's interesting to me that there's so much variation in the Smith-Corona Sterling line, through the years. I've got one from 1945 which has a "pebbled" black finish with shiny black stripes, very classy -- looks very "Forties", and yours definitely screams the "Fifties".

But the type font and characteristics you describe are exactly the same.

I will be posting a typecast later today using this machine. Yes, they're great!

Gorgeous little machine it is. My dad had an old Royal when I was growing up. I don't know what model but it was big, and heavy and I spent hours on it. Recently all grown up I went searching for a manual. I had that old Royal in mind.....eventually I came across this SC Sterling. Machine and case both mint condition. Fellow in an antique shop through it in for free after I bought a vintage bicycle. I would have paid $100 for it. I love it because it looks like a miniature version of the Royal. It's gorgeous and functional and doesn't weigh as much as a Volvo.

Macintosh, Typewriter, Retro Tech Lover!! I love reading and writing. My typewriters really help me write. I feel after being on the computer for hours I could never get real writing done. I love listening to music and riding my bike for exercise. I plan to do Nanowrimo this year as well.